The ongoing bribery trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, at the Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom took a dramatic turn as audio recordings allegedly featuring the ex-minister confronting two oil businessmen were played in court.
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Prosecutors tendered the recordings, reportedly recovered from a Samsung phone seized during her arrest in London in 2015. The court heard conversations said to have taken place between Alison-Madueke and oil magnates Olajide Omokore and Kolawole Aluko a year before the device was confiscated.
In one recording played before the jury, she was allegedly heard telling Mr Omokore: “I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself,” while also stating that she did not “react well to being blackmailed.”
In another exchange with Mr Aluko, the former minister reportedly criticised his flamboyant lifestyle and association with British supermodel Naomi Campbell, warning him against drawing the attention of intelligence agencies. She was also heard expressing anger over alleged threats and stating that she would publicly disclose events if necessary. Mr Aluko, in response, reportedly denied mentioning her name and described himself as “loyal like a dog.”
UK prosecutors have accused Alison-Madueke of receiving at least £100,000 in cash and other benefits described as financial or material advantages, including private jet travel, chauffeur-driven vehicles, luxury goods, London property upkeep and school fees for her son. Some of the alleged purchases were said to have been made using cards linked to Mr Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited.
Alison-Madueke, who served as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015 and was the first female president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has denied all six charges against her — five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery — all linked to oil contract awards during her tenure. Her counsel, Jonathan Laidlaw, told the court she was merely a “rubber stamp” and did not exercise decisive control over oil sector deals.
Meanwhile, in a related development, four prosecution witnesses testified virtually from Nigeria before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in accordance with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 2018. The request was made by UK authorities to enable witnesses in Nigeria to give evidence remotely before the UK trial judge, Mrs Justice Thornton.
The witnesses gave their testimony via video link, with the UK judge, jury and defendants participating in the proceedings. The matter, listed as CS/72/2026, was adjourned for additional witnesses to testify.
The trial, which commenced on January 26, is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks. If convicted under the UK Bribery Act, the former minister faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
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